Kering Tempe Special Recipe – Mertua’s Style
This Kering Tempe, a traditional Indonesian dish, is a beloved family recipe that’s simple yet rich in flavor. It’s a delightful blend of crispy fried tempe with a savory, aromatic sauce made from a medley of spices. Perfect as a side dish or a hearty topping for steamed rice, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Here’s how to make it with love and care!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempe (medium-sized) | 2-3 boards |
| Shallots (bawang merah) | 5 cloves |
| Garlic (bawang putih) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (laos) | To taste (crushed) |
| Ground black pepper | A pinch |
| Candlenuts (kemiri) | 3 pieces |
| Coriander (ketumbar) | A pinch |
| Palm sugar (gula jawa) | To taste (grated) |
| Nutmeg (pala) | A pinch |
| Salt (garam) | To taste |
| Bay leaves (daun salam) | 3 leaves |
| Celery (seledri) | A handful (chopped) |
| Sweet soy sauce (kecap) | To taste |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Cooking oil (minyak goreng) | For frying |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempe:
- Cut the tempe into small pieces, about bite-sized chunks.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the tempe pieces until they become crispy and slightly golden. Once done, drain any excess oil and set them aside.
-
Prepare the Spice Paste:
- Using a mortar and pestle, grind the shallots, garlic, candlenuts, ginger, black pepper, coriander, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt together until you form a smooth spice paste. You can also use a blender for convenience, but grinding by hand helps release the oils and flavors from the spices more effectively.
-
Sauté the Spice Paste:
- Heat a little oil in a pan. Add the spice paste and sauté over medium heat until it becomes aromatic and golden brown. The fragrance of the spices will fill your kitchen, signaling that it’s time for the next step.
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Simmer the Sauce:
- Add the bay leaves, celery, and a splash of water to the pan. Stir to combine, and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.
- Add the palm sugar, sweet soy sauce, and salt to taste. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce thickens slightly. Allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches a rich, caramel-like consistency.
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Combine with Fried Tempe:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried tempe to the pan. Stir gently to coat the tempe evenly with the sauce. Let the tempe simmer in the sauce until the liquid reduces completely, leaving a slightly sticky glaze on the tempe. The flavors will meld together, creating a deliciously sweet and savory coating.
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Serve:
- Once the sauce has been absorbed and the tempe is coated, serve the Kering Tempe warm with steamed rice or as a side dish to your favorite main course.
This Kering Tempe Special brings together the earthy flavors of tempe with a sweet, spicy, and savory sauce. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in Indonesian culinary tradition, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at home or serving it to guests, this recipe will surely be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!
